Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to be prepared.
You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, in reality, things often take a much more dire direction. If you lose your keys, it is essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something different.
It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Clean out all pockets that you carry around such as purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bin in the event that your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you know they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are cluttered. You may also leave your keys in a congested area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys on the seat or you might require two hands free to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to all of us.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.
Before you do this, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you saw them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is another good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make copies of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Call for a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are, however, a few ways you can assist.
Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you're still unable to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, according to your particular situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a major downer on your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to grab something for a moment and lost track.
It's important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being punished.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an insurance claim.
Keep lost keys car , or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and forget the place you put the keys.
There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in reach.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you place them in an entry table or an iron by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company immediately. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have chips) you can purchase an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.